Uploaded May 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In our second round of microgreen trials, we tested sunflower, cabbage, and cress to find the best seed planting density and days from germination to harvest.
We grew these microgreens in a propagation chamber and flood trays, where the greens were irrigated twice per day. (To learn more, see our other microgreen videos or check out our blog at university.upstartfarmers.com/blog.)
This trial ran 25 days. We tested each of the three crops for intervals of 7, 10, and 12 days at a time and at multiple seed densities.
The best seed density is decided by *best* harvest rather than greatest harvest; best harvest describes the percent increase in weight rather than the total harvest weight. This is the preferred number, since it reflects a costs:benefits ratio.
For sunflower, the best harvest (or highest percent increase) occurred at a 1 oz seed density, although the greatest harvest occurred at a 2 oz seed density.
For cress, the best harvest occurred at a 0.5 oz seed density at 10 days, while the greatest harvest occurred at 1.3 oz and 10 days.
For cabbage, the best harvest occurred at 0.5 oz seed density and 12 days, while the greatest harvest occurred at 1.3 oz and 12 days.
Note: Sunflower seeds don't germinate all at once, which complicated harvesting. The seedlings also twist and get tangled with one another, which increases harvesting time.
In our next trial, we're going to test beets, basil, and cilantro.
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Connect with us:
Website: zipgrow.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ZipGrowTM
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zipgrow-inc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zipgrowinc
Instagram: instagram.com/zipgrowinc
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Music by: Scott Gratton
freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Gratton
In our second round of microgreen trials, we tested sunflower, cabbage, and cress to find the best seed planting density and days from germination to harvest.
We grew these microgreens in a propagation chamber and flood trays, where the greens were irrigated twice per day. (To learn more, see our other microgreen videos or check out our blog at university.upstartfarmers.com/blog.)
This trial ran 25 days. We tested each of the three crops for intervals of 7, 10, and 12 days at a time and at multiple seed densities.
The best seed density is decided by *best* harvest rather than greatest harvest; best harvest describes the percent increase in weight rather than the total harvest weight. This is the preferred number, since it reflects a costs:benefits ratio.
For sunflower, the best harvest (or highest percent increase) occurred at a 1 oz seed density, although the greatest harvest occurred at a 2 oz seed density.
For cress, the best harvest occurred at a 0.5 oz seed density at 10 days, while the greatest harvest occurred at 1.3 oz and 10 days.
For cabbage, the best harvest occurred at 0.5 oz seed density and 12 days, while the greatest harvest occurred at 1.3 oz and 12 days.
Note: Sunflower seeds don't germinate all at once, which complicated harvesting. The seedlings also twist and get tangled with one another, which increases harvesting time.
In our next trial, we're going to test beets, basil, and cilantro.
-----------------
Connect with us:
Website: zipgrow.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ZipGrowTM
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zipgrow-inc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zipgrowinc
Instagram: instagram.com/zipgrowinc
-----------------
Music by: Scott Gratton
freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Gratton
